Nintendo Announces Nintendo Labo

Earlier today (January 17), Nintendo teased a new announcement on their social media pages, promising “a new interactive experience for Nintendo Switch that’s specifically crafted for kids and those who are kids-at-heart.” That teaser stated that the official announcement was coming today at 2:00PM PST/5:00PM EST, and now that we’ve seen it, I think it’s safe to say it’s not what anyone was expecting.

Nintendo made the announcement in the form of a new video (below) in which the company’s newest project, Nintendo Labo, was shown off. The video shows people using cardboard cut-outs to create various accessories for the Switch. Nintendo’s official website explains that Nintendo Labo is a series of DIY kits that act as accessories for the console. The Variety Kit includes cardboard cut-outs that can be made into RC cars, a fishing rod, a house, a motorbike and a piano, while the Robot Kit contains cardboard cut-outs for a backpack, handles and visor that all work together through a network of strings and straps to basically act like a makeshift AR outfit.

Each kit will include its own software for the Switch that will utilize the cardboard accessories. The Variety Kit will cost $69.99 while the Robot Kit will cost $79.99. Both kits have a scheduled release date of April 20.